Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate

Anti-rheumatic, Systemic · 4-Aminoquinoline

Indications

Rheumatoid arthritis juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus. Skin conditions aggravated by sunlight.

Dosage

Adults: Initially 2 tab daily in divided doses with meals. Increase dose in 5-10 days until optimum response, maintenance after 4-12 wk, 1-2 tab daily; max 6.5 mg/kg daily. Discontinue after six mth if no improvement. Children: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus: 1 mth-18 yr, 5-6.5 mg/kg (max. 400 mg) once daily.

Adverse Effects

Retinal changes, corneal opacity, impaired visual accommodation (discontinue if occur). Skin reactions bleaching of hair, alopecia. GI upset. Reports of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (discontinue).

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Maculopathy. Precautions: Porphyria. Renal or hepatic impairment. History of GI, neurological or blood disorders. Psoriasis. Lactation. Perform eye tests and periodic blood counts before and during long-term therapy. G6PD deficiency. Risk of severe hypoglycaemia; warn patient. Monitor skeletal muscle function and tendon reflexes during long term therapy; discontinue if weakness.

Interactions

Drugs causing ocular damage or skin reactions, antacids, cimetidine, aminoglycosides, digoxin, antidiabetics.

Advice to Patient

Take with meals. Contact prescriber if there is severe abdominal pain, severe nausea or vomiting, easy bruising or bleeding, difficulty in breathing, irregular heartbeat, yellowing of skin or eyes, swelling on face/tongue/throat. Avoid direct sunlight, wear sunscreen, proper eyewear and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well-absorbed from the GI tract. Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: 67%-74%. Half-life elimination: 3-4 hrs. Terminal: 40-50 days. Time to peak, plasma: 3-4 hrs. Excretion: Urine (40%-50%). Faeces (24%-25%). Skin (5%).

Unlicensed Use

Children: Dermatological conditions caused or aggravated by sunlight: 1 mth-18 yr, 5-6.5 mg/kg (max. 400 mg) once daily.

Brands with this active ingredient

• Aksovir
• C-Q
• Curaqutol-H
• DV-Quine
• HCQ
• HS- 200
• Hybrid
• Hydc
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Hyqbro
• Hyquine
• Maquin-H
• Medoxychlor
• Oxyclor
• Oxylor

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.